Nevolat and Wegovy are not the same medicine. Nevolat contains liraglutide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. These are two different active ingredients, with different dosing schedules, injection frequencies and clinical evidence.
Both medicines belong to the GLP 1 receptor agonist class, but they are not interchangeable. Nevolat is taken once daily, while Wegovy is taken once weekly. Their doses also cannot be compared simply by looking at the number of milligrams.
This guide explains the dosing schedules for both medicines and the main differences between them, so you can understand how each treatment works and discuss the most suitable option with your prescriber.
Key things to know
- Nevolat contains liraglutide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. They are different medicines with different active ingredients
- Nevolat is taken once daily, while Wegovy is taken once weekly
- Nevolat is normally increased from 0.6mg to a 3.0mg daily maintenance dose, while Wegovy is gradually increased from 0.25mg to 2.4mg once weekly, with a 7.2mg once weekly maintenance option for some adults with obesity when appropriate
- The milligram numbers cannot be directly compared because liraglutide and semaglutide are different medicines
- Clinical studies have found different average weight loss results for liraglutide and semaglutide, but these figures are study averages and do not predict exactly how much weight an individual will lose
- Both medicines require an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional before they are prescribed
Correcting a Common Mix Up: These Are Not the Same Drug
It is easy to confuse Nevolat and Wegovy because both are GLP 1 receptor agonists used for weight management. However, they contain different active ingredients.
Nevolat contains liraglutide, while Wegovy contains semaglutide. This means they have different dosing schedules, different injection frequencies and separate clinical evidence.
Being in the same medicine class does not mean that the medicines can be used interchangeably. You should not switch between them or use one medicine's dosing schedule for the other without advice from your prescriber.
One of the biggest practical differences is how often they are taken. Liraglutide is administered once daily, while semaglutide is administered once weekly. The different dosing schedules are related to the way each medicine behaves in the body.
How Each Medicine Actually Works
Both liraglutide and semaglutide are GLP 1 receptor agonists. They work in a similar general way by acting on GLP 1 receptors involved in appetite and food intake.
They can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. They can also affect how quickly the stomach empties and how the body regulates blood glucose.
Although they have a similar overall mechanism, liraglutide and semaglutide are different molecules. The body processes them differently, which is why they have different dosing schedules and injection frequencies.
This is also why you should not assume that a particular dose of Nevolat is equivalent to the same number of milligrams of Wegovy. The doses are specific to each medicine.
Nevolat's Complete Dosing Schedule
| Week | Daily dose |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 0.6mg |
| Week 2 | 1.2mg |
| Week 3 | 1.8mg |
| Week 4 | 2.4mg |
| Week 5 onwards | 3.0mg (maintenance) |
Liraglutide treatment normally starts at 0.6mg once daily. The dose is then increased in 0.6mg steps at intervals of at least one week, with the aim of reaching 3.0mg once daily if tolerated. This gradual increase is used to improve gastrointestinal tolerability.
The exact treatment plan should always come from your prescriber. If you experience troublesome side effects during dose increases, your healthcare professional can advise whether the next increase should be delayed or whether your treatment needs to be reviewed.
Unlike Wegovy, which is taken once a week, liraglutide is taken every day. This is an important practical difference to consider when discussing your treatment options.
Wegovy's Complete Dosing Schedule
| Weeks | Weekly dose |
|---|---|
| 1-4 | 0.25mg |
| 5-8 | 0.5mg |
| 9-12 | 1mg |
| 13-16 | 1.7mg |
| 17 onwards | 2.4mg (maintenance) |
Wegovy starts at 0.25mg once weekly. The dose is normally increased every four weeks until 2.4mg once weekly is reached. This gradual increase is used to help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
For adults with obesity, the current UK product information also allows the dose to be increased to 7.2mg once weekly, if needed, after at least four weeks on 2.4mg. The maximum dose for this group is 7.2mg once weekly.
This does not mean that everyone should increase to 7.2mg. Your prescriber will assess your treatment and decide which dose is appropriate for you.
Wegovy is injected once a week. The day can be changed if needed, provided there is at least 3 days, or more than 72 hours, between doses.
Why the Numbers Are Not Directly Comparable
It can be tempting to compare Nevolat's 3.0mg daily dose with Wegovy's 2.4mg or 7.2mg weekly dose and assume that the higher number means a stronger medicine.
That is not how these medicines should be compared.
Liraglutide and semaglutide are different molecules. They have different dosing schedules and different amounts of medicine are used at different intervals. A milligram of liraglutide is not equivalent to a milligram of semaglutide.
The more useful comparison is to look at how each medicine is licensed, how it is dosed and what the clinical evidence shows.
Your prescriber can also explain the differences based on your medical history and treatment goals.
Real Trial Data: What Each Medicine Has Actually Shown
Both liraglutide and semaglutide have been studied for weight management alongside lifestyle changes.
The results are not directly interchangeable because the medicines, study designs, doses and treatment periods can differ. For example, studies of liraglutide have reported average weight loss over 56 weeks, while studies of semaglutide have reported results over longer treatment periods.
A direct comparison study, STEP 8, compared semaglutide 2.4mg once weekly with liraglutide 3mg once daily over 68 weeks. It found that semaglutide produced greater average weight reduction than liraglutide in that study.
These are averages from clinical research, not a promise of what an individual will achieve. Your response can be different depending on factors such as your health, lifestyle, treatment plan and how well you tolerate the medicine.
The important point is that you should not choose between the medicines simply by looking at a percentage from a clinical trial. A prescriber can help you understand the evidence and whether either treatment is suitable for you.
Daily vs Weekly: The Practical Difference
One of the clearest differences between the two medicines is how often you take them.
Nevolat, which contains liraglutide, is taken once daily. This means you need to remember an injection every day as part of your routine.
Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, is taken once weekly. For some people, a weekly injection may be easier to fit into their routine.
Neither schedule is automatically better for everyone. The choice can depend on your medical circumstances, treatment needs and what you feel able to manage consistently.
If you are considering switching from one GLP 1 medicine to another, speak to your prescriber first. Do not work out an equivalent dose yourself.
Side Effects: What You Should Know
Both liraglutide and semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Side effects can be more noticeable when treatment starts or when the dose is increased. This is one reason both medicines use a gradual dose escalation schedule.
How you respond can vary. Some people may experience side effects while others may have few or no noticeable symptoms.
If side effects are difficult to manage or continue for a long time, speak to your prescriber. They can review your treatment and decide whether your dose needs to be adjusted or whether another approach is more suitable.
Severe or persistent abdominal pain needs medical attention because serious conditions, including pancreatitis, can occur with GLP 1 medicines. If you develop severe symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.
If you take other medicines for diabetes, particularly insulin or medicines that increase insulin release, your healthcare professional may also need to consider your risk of low blood sugar.
Storage: What Is Similar and What Is Different
Both medicines are temperature sensitive and need to be stored according to the instructions for the specific product.
Before first use, liraglutide and Wegovy products are generally stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. However, the rules for storing a pen after it has been taken out of the fridge can differ between products.
For this reason, do not assume that the storage instructions for Nevolat and Wegovy are identical. Check the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Keep the medicine away from excessive heat and do not use it if it has been stored outside the recommended conditions without first checking with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Who Each Medicine Is Suitable For
Suitability depends on the specific medicine, its licence and your individual health.
GLP 1 medicines used for weight management are generally intended for people who meet specific BMI and health criteria. These can include people living with obesity or people who are overweight and have certain weight related health problems. The exact criteria can vary between medicines.
Neither medicine should be used during pregnancy for weight management. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare professional before using a weight management medicine.
Your prescriber will also ask about your medical history, current medicines and any conditions that could affect whether treatment is suitable.
Do not choose between Nevolat and Wegovy based on the dose number alone. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether either medicine is appropriate for you.
Comparing Both to Mounjaro
Mounjaro is another medicine that is often discussed alongside Wegovy and liraglutide, but it contains a different active ingredient called tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors, GIP and GLP 1. This makes it different from both liraglutide and semaglutide, which act on the GLP 1 receptor. Mounjaro is also administered once weekly for weight management.
Clinical studies have shown substantial average weight loss with tirzepatide, but these results should not be treated as a guarantee for an individual. The study dose, treatment length and participant characteristics all matter when interpreting the results.
This means there are three different active ingredients to distinguish:
- Liraglutide: Nevolat, taken daily
- Semaglutide: Wegovy, taken weekly
- Tirzepatide: Mounjaro, taken weekly
These medicines are not interchangeable. If you are considering one of them, your prescriber can explain the differences and recommend an option based on your circumstances.
Lifestyle Habits That Support Either Medicine
Both Nevolat and Wegovy are intended to be used alongside lifestyle changes, including a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, where appropriate.
This means the medicine is only one part of a weight management plan. Your healthcare professional may also discuss eating habits, physical activity and other lifestyle factors as part of your treatment.
Try to focus on practical habits that you can maintain over time. This may include choosing balanced meals, including protein and fibre in your diet, staying hydrated and finding physical activity that works for you.
You should also take your medicine according to the prescribed schedule. Nevolat is taken daily, while Wegovy is taken weekly, so it is useful to choose a routine that helps you remember your doses.
If you are struggling with your diet, appetite, activity levels or treatment routine, speak to your healthcare professional. You do not need to make major changes all at once.
Getting Started with EverydayMeds
If you are considering a weight management injection, treatment begins with a free online clinical consultation. Our UK registered prescribing team can review your health information and discuss whether a treatment such as Nevolat or Wegovy may be suitable for you.
The consultation can also help you understand the differences between daily and weekly injections, the expected dose increases and what to do if you experience side effects.
If treatment is prescribed, it is dispensed by our GPhC registered pharmacy. The medicine and dose provided will depend on the prescription issued by the qualified prescriber following your clinical assessment.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information comparing Nevolat and Wegovy dosing. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Liraglutide and semaglutide are different medicines and their doses should not be compared or exchanged directly. Individual responses to weight management treatment vary, and clinical trial results do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Always follow the dose and instructions provided by your prescriber. If you are considering switching between weight management medicines or are unsure about your dose, speak to a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes.